Haiti gang sees violence deteriorating
The United Nations has warned that the crisis in Haiti is increasing as the gang violence across the country is deteriorating. (AP video courtesy, thumb etiquette of Reuters)
The Trump administration on Friday officially nominated Haiti’s two most powerful gang networks, Viv Ansanam and Gran Griff, foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially nominated global terrorists (SDGTs).
The move aims to disrupt the operation of the gang and support efforts to restore the order in the upset Caribbean nation.
The announcement was made in a formal statement by State Secretary Marco Rubio, who announced that “the age of impurities for those who support the violence in Haiti are over.”
Rubio said, “These gangs have killed and continued the people of Haiti, Haitian security forces and multinational security aid (MSS) mission personnel and are committed to overthrowing the government of Haiti.” “Their final goal is building a gang-controlled state where illegal smuggling and other criminal activities work independently and terrorize HiTian citizens.”
Trump named Hiteian Gangs Foreign Terrorist Organization: Report
Former police officer-Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” runs from previous reporters on the Curizier Port-O-Prince, Haiti, March 11, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Teddy Errol)
Designations bring serious legal results. Viv Ansanm or Gran GRIF people or institutions who provide material assistance can face criminal allegations, loss of immigration benefits or removal from America
Viv Ansanm formed in September 2023 through an alliance between Haiti’s two main gang groups, G-9 and G-Pép. The coalition has carried out coordinated attacks on the high-aurian infrastructure including prisons, government buildings and Port-e-Prince International Airport. These attacks were part of a comprehensive campaign, which helped forcing former Hyotian Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation.
Popular cruises prohibit to increase suspended island gang violence: what you know
A person carrying his belongings looks at the port-priest, hati, burnt vehicles after the gang violence on December 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Teddy Errol)
Gran Griff is mainly operated in an important agricultural sector in the Artibonite region. The State Department said that the gang is responsible for 80% of the civil death report in that area since 2022. In February 2025, Gran Griff was linked to an attack, killing a Kenyan officer with the MSS mission.
According to NPR reporting since 2024, Viv Ansanam was known as Barbecue by Jimmy Chiraizier, a former police officer replaced the gang leader.
Chérizier helped unite rival gangs under a shared goal of opposing the Hiratian government. In an interview with NPR, he defended the gang’s actions and blamed Haiti’s political aristocratic class for promoting anarchy. Although he admitted the violence, he claimed that the government has enabled the leading conditions for this.
A woman takes her belongings as she runs away from the armed gang violence on Port-Prophens, Haiti, December 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Teddy Errol)
“These designations play an important role in our fight against these vicious groups and are an effective way to curb their support for terrorist activities,” Rubio said. He also warned that American citizens and legitimate residents who are engaged in transactions with these groups are highlighting themselves for restrictions and prosecution.
Click here to get Fox News app
Rubio praised the Higherian National Police and International partners for efforts to push back against the gangs. He said, “We appreciate the extraordinary bravery of the Higherian National Police and all international partners who support the MSS mission for ongoing efforts to establish stability and security in Haiti,” he said.
He called for a focus on restoring peace from Hiratian political leaders.
Rubio said, “We urge all the political leaders of Haiti to prioritize the safety of high -lieuten people, to prevent violence and find solutions to progress towards the restoration of democracy through independent and fair elections.”
The state department did not immediately respond to the request for Fox News Digital’s comment.
